Stop Tick-And Mosquito-Borne Diseases

FIGHT THE BITE:
STOP TICK-AND MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES

DOVER – One of the best things about summer weather is more time outside. The Division of Public Health urges people to get active, enjoy the outdoors, and remember to protect themselves from tick and mosquito bites. Tick and mosquito bites can cause serious illnesses, and a few small steps, such as using insect repellent, can make a big difference.

In Delaware, the most common tick-borne disease is Lyme disease, which is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected deer ticks. There were 418 Lyme disease cases in Delaware in 2014. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is diagnosed much less frequently in the First State with only 24 cases in 2014.

Symptoms of Lyme disease can include a “bull’s-eye” rash (seen in approximately half of Lyme disease cases in Delaware), fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle and joint aches. Chronic joint, heart, and neurological problems may occur. It usually takes 24-36 hours of attachment before a tick transmits a disease. Anyone bitten by a tick should monitor their health closely, and contact a physician if symptoms develop.

Mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and several other diseases that cause brain inflammation (encephalitis) and can be fatal to humans and animals. Infected mosquitoes transmit these diseases through their bites.

Approximately 80 percent of human WNV infections are mild and cause no apparent symptoms. The other 20 percent develop a mild illness (West Nile fever), which includes fever, body and muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. A small percentage of patients, usually the elderly, develop severe neurological disease that results in meningitis or encephalitis.

DPH recommends these precautions to stay safe:

TICK PREVENTION
• Wear light-colored clothing to allow you to see ticks easily.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants, and tuck pant legs into socks.
• Apply tick repellents. Repellents containing permethrin can be sprayed on boots and clothing and will last for several days. Repellents containing DEET can be applied to the skin but will last only a few hours before reapplication is necessary. Use insect repellent containing less than 50 percent DEET for adults. Use repellent containing less than 30 percent DEET on children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that repellents with DEET should not be used on infants less than two months old.
• After being outdoors, check for ticks on yourself and your children (especially the head area), and pets, which should be treated with tick and flea prevention.
TICK REMOVAL
• Avoid removing ticks with bare hands to prevent the tick’s fluids from getting on your skin. Use fine-tipped tweezers, shielding fingers with a tissue, paper towel, or rubber gloves.
• Grasp the tick close to the skin surface and pull upward steadily and evenly.
• Dispose of the tick by flushing it. Cleanse the site of the tick bite with an antiseptic or soap and water, and wash your hands.
MOSQUITO PREVENTION
• When outside, wear shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and pants. Mosquito netting can protect one’s face and neck, and infants in carriages, strollers, and playpens. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and during the early morning hours.
• Mosquito repellents containing DEET can be applied to the skin but will last only a few hours before reapplication is necessary. Use insect repellent containing less than 50 percent DEET for adults. Use repellent containing less than 30 percent DEET on children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using insect repellents containing 10 percent DEET. AAP recommends that repellents with DEET should not be used on infants less than two months old.
• Prevent mosquitoes from entering the house by using screens and keeping windows and doorways tightly sealed. Mosquitoes prefer shallow water and tall vegetation. Eliminate standing water in your yard by changing birdbath water weekly, regularly draining pet dishes and plant pot saucers, and checking gutters, pool covers, and tarps for standing water. Store buckets, wheelbarrows, and wading pools upside down. Keep grass mowed.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov and http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/lyme.html.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

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Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social ServicesDivision of Public Health


Permanent Anonymous Medicine Drop Boxes

PERMANENT ANONYMOUS MEDICINE DROP BOXES AVAILABLE IN EVERY COUNTY

DOVER – Medicines play an important role in treating health conditions and diseases, but they are open to abuse and improper disposal, which can harm the environment. The Division of Public Health (DPH) commends the eight local police departments who offer safe and secure medicine drug disposal at their offices. Offering secure, permanent drop boxes was a key recommendation of the Delaware Prescription Drug Task Force, a partnership between the state, Medical Society of Delaware, and community partners.

“Thank you to these eight police departments who have taken the lead on permanent, safe prescription drug disposal,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay, co-chair of the PDAC task force. “Prescription drug abuse and misuse can lead to addiction, illegal substance use, and even an overdose. We must offer safe and anonymous avenues for medicine disposal.”

Additionally, it’s estimated that more than two-thirds of people who misuse prescription drugs get them from friends and family, who may be unaware that their unused medications have gone missing. And, drugs that are flushed down the toilet or otherwise improperly disposed of can contaminate groundwater. Medicine collection sites provide an opportunity for the public to drop off expired, unwanted, or unused prescription drugs and other medications to law enforcement for safe destruction.

Bring expired, unused, or unwanted medications to any of the locations listed below to ensure that they are disposed of properly. Drugs must be in a container such as a pill bottle, box, blister pack, or zip lock bag. Leave liquid medications in their original containers. No needles, aerosols, or biohazard materials may be deposited. Do not put medical equipment, batteries, syringes, or other biohazard waste into the drop-off boxes. The program is anonymous – no questions or requests for identification will be made by law enforcement personnel present.

“Being the first police department in Delaware to have permanent medicine collection drop-off boxes in the lobby of our police department ties into our commitment of being receptive to the needs of the communities that we serve and then doing something about it,” said Capt. Quinton Watson, New Castle County Police Department. “Having medicine drop-off boxes in different police departments around the state is a benefit for our citizens in order for them to safely dispose of their unwanted, expired, or unused prescription medication conveniently seven days a week, 24 hours a day. I would encourage more police departments to strongly consider placing a medicine collection box at their police departments to be a part of a great community effort to dispose of unwanted, expired, or unused prescription medication.”

Businesses such as medical clinics or pharmacies wishing to dispose of unwanted stock are not permitted to use these drop boxes. These DEA registrants must follow Federal Regulation 21CFR1307.21 for disposal of unwanted stock.

Permanent medication collection boxes are available at the locations listed below. Contact each site directly for collection hours, rules, and regulations.

New Castle County

Newark Police Department
220 S. Main St.
Newark, DE 19711
Phone: 302-366-7111

New Castle County Police Department
3601 N. DuPont Hwy
New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: 302-573-2800

Kent County

Camden Police Department
1783 Friends Way
Camden, DE 19934
302-697-2299

Dover Police Department
400 S. Queen St.
Dover, DE 19904
302-736-7111

Smyrna Police Department
325 W. Glenwood Ave.
Smyrna, DE 19977
Phone: 302-653-9217

Harrington Police Department
20 Mechanic St.
Harrington, DE 19952
Phone: 302-398-4493

Sussex County

Selbyville Police Department
68 W. Church St.
Selbyville, DE 19975
Phone: 302-436-5085.

Greenwood Police Department
100 W. Market St.
Greenwood, DE 19950
Phone: 302-349-4822

PDAC, chaired by Dr. Rattay and Dr. Randeep Kahlon, past president, Medical Society of Delaware, also called for the support of the PMP, increasing physician and pharmacist training, and an aggressive public outreach effort to reduce prescription drug abuse. The PDAC report is online at www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/pdacfinalreport2013.pdf
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

###
Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social ServicesDivision of Public Health


Volunteers Needed for State Animal Response Team

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NEW STATE ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM

DOVER – The Delaware Animal Response (DAR) program is offering a unique opportunity for Delawareans to support state and county efforts to keep animals, small and large, safe and protected during emergencies and disasters. The program is recruiting community volunteers for the new Delaware State Animal Response Team (DE SART) and their specialized unit, the Delaware Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps (DE VMRC).

Managed by the Division of Public Health’s Office of Animal Welfare (OAW), the program is looking for volunteers with various experiences and skills, including:

• Small or large animal care, handling, control, training, sheltering, or rescue experience
• First responders and others with experience in emergency preparedness and response
• Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants
• Persons interested in animal welfare and animal protection.

The deadline to sign up for the first round of recruitment is Monday, June 1, 2015. Training will be provided in a range of areas, including community outreach, animal emergency sheltering, and field response.

These programs were developed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of companion animals, and promote the human-animal bond in the state of Delaware. When the OAW assumed responsibility for animal response in 2014, Executive Director Hetti Brown enthusiastically welcomed the program and saw it as a logical fit. “The animal response program’s primary mission is to ensure that pet owners are taken into consideration in state preparedness efforts and that the needs of Delaware’s animals are addressed during emergencies or disasters,” Brown said.

As outlined in the Delaware Emergency Operations Plan (DEOP), the program is responsible for a range of animal emergency preparedness and response areas, including community education, animal emergency sheltering, animal evacuation and transportation, and animal search and rescue.

“Volunteers on the state’s animal response team and veterinary medical reserve corps will provide the critical management and staffing support necessary to set up and run successful animal emergency shelters during times of extreme need, and will assist with community outreach and education events,” said Program Coordinator Jane P. Walmsley. “As the program evolves, they will have the option to specialize in other areas of animal response and take on leadership roles based on their skills and interests.”

The program was originally established to meet the requirements of the groundbreaking Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act passed by Congress in 2006. This federal legislation was a direct response to lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, when many would not leave home without their pets and many pets had to be left behind by those who did evacuate. It became clear that pets must be included in emergency planning for the safety and welfare of all. The PETS Act requires states to take into account the needs of household and service animals before, during, and after an emergency or disaster.

Those interested in becoming a SART or VMRC volunteer are also encouraged to sign up to attend an introductory training to be held in late spring of 2015, and the companion animal shelter training, which will be provided this summer.

For more information or to apply to become a volunteer, call (302) 255-4628 or email p.jane.walmsley@delaware.gov.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

###
Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social ServicesDivision of Public Health


Skin Cancer Prevention for Warm Weather

SKIN CANCER PREVENTION PROGRAM RETURNS FOR WARM WEATHER: #ProtectYourSkinDE.com

 

DOVER The spring and summer sun is back, and so is #ProtectYourSkinDE, a skin cancer prevention campaign from the Division of Public Health (DPH).  Digital, outdoor, and social media efforts will send Delawareans to ProtectYourSkinDE.com, where visitors can find a dermatologist, better educate themselves about how to reduce their skin cancer risk, and learn from the experiences of others.  Delaware’s skin cancer incidence rate is significantly higher than the national average.  The state ranked fourth-highest in the U.S. for incidence of melanoma, the most deadly and often underestimated form of skin cancer, in the most recent published report (2006-2010).

Many people don’t think of skin cancer as deadly. So, unlike other kinds of cancer, the mortality rates are climbing – due in part to a lack of sun protection and also because people are not going to the doctor when they see something suspicious on their skin,” said Heather Brown, DPH Cancer Control Program Director. “Screening leads to early detection – the earlier skin cancer is detected, the better the outcome.”

While the campaign takes place in the spring and summer, UV protection is a year-round effort.  Any combination of long-term sun exposure, sunbathing, sunburns or tanning bed use increases the chance of developing skin cancer. Protection from the sun’s UV rays could prevent 90 percent of all skin cancer cases.  And in a state with significant amounts of beachgoers, farmers, and outdoor workers, DPH works to educate Delawareans about sun protection and increase the number of people getting screened. In-person efforts begin on “Don’t Fry Day” (May 22), when health officials will be next to the Rehoboth Bandstand, offering sunscreen, “sun-sensitive” educational items, and informative games and materials.

Since 80 percent of lifetime ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure occurs during childhood, the campaign will include in-person education with Delaware’s youth.  Several Delaware high schools are participating in a signature contest, where students will pledge to wear SPF 15 or higher sunscreen.  Additionally, health officials will visit summer camps across the state for interactive trivia, a drawing activity, and to hand out sunscreen.

The #ProtectYourSkinDE campaign runs throughout the spring and summer. In-person event visits will include:

Wednesday, May 20

10:35 a.m.

Wilmington Blue Rocks game

801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington, DE 19801

Friday, May 22

Noon to 4:00 p.m. Don’t Fry Day at the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Saturday, June 27 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fifer Orchards Blueberry Festival

1919 Allabands Mill Road, Camden Wyoming, DE 19934

http://www.fiferorchards.com/event/blueberryfestival

Wednesday, July 15 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Family Fun Night at the Brandywine Zoo

1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19802

Tuesday, July 28

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Delaware State Fair: Health Fair for Kids

18500 South DuPont Highway, Harrington, DE 19952

 Saturday, Aug. 1

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fifer Orchards Peach Festival

1919 Allabands Mill Road, Camden Wyoming, DE 19934

http://www.fiferorchards.com/event/annual-peach-ice-cream-day

Saturday, Aug. 8

Zap Amateur World Championships of Skimboarding

New Orleans Street, Dewey Beach, DE 19971

Thursday, Aug. 13

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Family Fun Night at the Brandywine Zoo

1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19802

People who are fair-skinned or who have blue or green eyes hold the greatest risk of skin cancer, as well as those exposed to the sun through work and play.  All people must keep a watchful eye out for large or irregularly shaped moles.  Regular self-examinations and visits to a dermatologist are essential.  If the cancer is detected early, it becomes less likely that it will spread to other body parts.

For more information, contact the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program at 2-1-1 or visit ProtectYourSkinDE.com or HealthyDelaware.org.

 

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.  DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages

###
Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social ServicesDivision of Public Health


Smart Tips for a Healthy Spring

SMART TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SPRING

DOVER – Spring’s warm temperatures bring new opportunities for outdoor recreation and healthy eating. The Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds you that it’s a great time to dust off the bikes, find the tennis balls, and buy more sunscreen. Spring creates more opportunities to be active, like stepping outside for a walk or visiting the park, and to find a local farmers’ market to buy seasonal, healthy fruits and vegetables.

“Spring is a great time to get more active and eat healthier. Most people feel better after walking, jogging, bicycling, playing tennis, or playing with their kids at the park,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Becoming more physically active reduces the chance of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Fitness also reduces stress and helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.” Just remember to prevent injuries by wearing protective gear, including bicycle helmets and reflective walking clothes.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) recommends following the 5-2-1 Almost None formula for healthy behavior: eating at least 5 servings of fruit or vegetables a day, watching no more than two hours of recreational screen time daily, getting 1 hour of physical activity each day, and drinking almost no sugar-sweetened drinks. Remember to opt for water when replacing those sugary beverages. For more information about 5-2-1 Almost None, visit http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/521almostnone.html.

With two-thirds of Delaware adults and children carrying excess weight, more physical activity can help them reach a healthier weight. Try walking for 10 minutes daily, then slowly increase the amount you walk a day. Being physically active does not have to be an intense workout either; physical activity can include dancing, gardening, or playing with your kids. For more fun tips on physical activity, visit www.getupanddosomething.org.

Eat the wonderful and fresh produce that is available. Delaware’s Buy Local Guide, at http://de.gov/buylocal, can connect you with local farm stands, farmers’ markets and other sources of fresh, local foods and products from Delaware family farms. You can also connect to the Delaware Fresh app on your mobile device and find locations near you. To improve your diet, choose low-fat dairy products with reduced saturated and total (trans) fat. (Ideal total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dl.) Also select low-sodium prepared foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults aim for no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.

To reduce the possibility of a heart attack or stroke, adults should maintain these recommended waist sizes: for women, less than 35 inches; for men, less than 40 inches; for Asian men, 35 inches; and for Asian women, 32 inches. Persons with results outside these ranges are considered at risk and should visit their healthcare provider. For heart-healthy recipes and news, visit www.facebook.com/millionheartsdelaware.

This is also the season to do some spring cleaning. Mold and household dusts can trigger asthma attacks. DPH recommends reading cleaning product labels and taking recommended precautions to prevent accidentally poisoning household members. Air fresheners, laundry supplies, dry-cleaned clothes, moth repellents and pesticides, and cosmetics may contain chemicals linked with cancer. Consider using products with natural ingredients. For more tips, visit DPH’s Healthy Homes website, http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/healthyhomes.html.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

###
Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social ServicesDivision of Public Health